"Cala de la Sima" (Sima bay) or "Santa Lombarda", in "Serra Gelada", in the south of Altea.

Altea

"La Solsida", "Puerto de Campomanes", "Galleras de las Palmeras"

Calp

"Cala de la Barra" (Bar's bay), in "La Punta del Mascarat", Albir-Faro's road, south of Calp's bay; turn left after having travelled along the highway that indicates "Pueblo Mascarat", before the tunnels on the main road between "Altea" and "Calp".

More Nude beaches in Spain

Guardamar del Segura[Baix Segura]

"Playa del Tusals" (Del Tusals beach)

Santa Pola [Baix Vinalopó]

"Playa de Tamarit" (Tamarit Beach); signed. Illa (Island) of Tabarca, one of the further bays ("calas") surrounding the main beach.

"Cala de l'Embolo" (L'Embolo bay), to the south of "Xàbia", near "Granadella".

"Playa Torre" (Tower Beach), cape Nau.

"Cala de los Alemanes" (German's bay).

"Cala de la Barraca" (Barrack bay), in "Portitxol", next to cape of Sant Martí.

Dénia

"Cala Roca" (Rock bay), in "Les Rotes", to the south of Dénia.

CASTELLO

Oropesa[La Plana Alta]

"Playa de la Torre de la Sal" (Salt´s Tower Beach), on the N-340 road, to the left of the "Instituto Oceanográfico".

"Playa de Oropesa-Ribera de Cabanes" (Oropesa-riverside of Cabanes beach); next to Oropesa's railway station.

Peníscola-Peñíscola[Baix Maestrat]

"Calas" (bays) near the estate complex of "Font Nova", between "Peñíscola" and "Benicarló".

"Cala Argilaga" (Argilaga bay).

"Cala del Ruso" (Russian´s Bay); These two "calas" (bays) are between "Peñíscola" and "Alcocebre". Near the estate complex "Font Nova". Before arriving at the complex, there is a unsurfaced road and a sign indicating the way to the "calas". It is necessary to go toward the Tower of Badum. This was the old road which connected the towns of "Peñíscola" and "Alcossebre".

"Playa Pinedo" (Pinedo beach) , 3 km to the south of the river "Túria"; between "Malvarrosa" and "Levante", and "El Saler"; access: by "Casa Negra restaurant".

Sagunt-Sagunto[El Camp de Morvedre]

"Playa de Malvasur" (Malvasur beach) , at "Port de Sagunt". Road N-340 toward "Barcelona", exit: "Canet de Berenguer". (same way as to Corinto beach). An association takes care of the beach (see associations)

ALMERIA

Roquetas de Mar

"Playa de Cerrillos" (Cerrillos beach), south of "Roquetas de Mar", next to "Playa Serena" (Serene beach).

"Playa de Enix" (Enix beach).

Cabo de Gata (Cape of Gata)

Beaches of "Cabo de Gata" (Cape of Gata), between Cape Gata and "San José"; especially "Cala Carbón" (Carbón bay), about 3 kms from the Genoveses beach, after passing a fence.

"El Borronal", in "San José de Matibrán".

Las Negras

"Cala San Pedro" (San Pedro bay).

Carboneras

"Playa de los Muertos" ( "Los Muertos" beach), in "La Mesa de Roldan" (The Table of Roldán), to the south of the town, after a half an hour's walk along a mountain path.

Mojácar

"Playas de Macenas ", "El Sombrerico" and "La Granatilla" (Macenas, Sombrerico and Granatilla beaches), to the south of the "Pueblo Indalo" (Indalo Town). Signed, but recently taken over by "textiles".

Vera

"El Playazo",naturist beach next to the naturist resorts, parallel to the road from "Pulley" to "Villaricos"

San Juan de los Terreros

"Playa de la Carolina" (Carolina's beach), in San Juan de los Terreros.

"Playa de la Joya" (La Joya beach) , at "Torrenueva", next to "Sagratif" lighthouse, 5 km to the east of Motril (road N-340, km. 339.1)

MÁLAGA

Guadalmar Beach"Playa de Guadalmar" (Guadalmar beach) is the only beach where nudism is officially authorized by the city council of Málaga. Official naturist beach. Long, rather windy stretch of beach. Located between Parador de Golf and Malaga city.

Cabopino Beach"Cabopino",on the road N-340 at km. 195. Playa de las Dunas-Carib. This is a clothing optional beach, located just to the west of Cabopino Marina. Leave the coast road at Cabopino and turn right into the sand dunes just before reaching the Marina. Follow signs for 'Andres beach bar'.

Benalmádena

"Playa de los Yuccas" (Yuccas beach)

Benalnatura,"Benalnatura", road N-340,km 218, next to "Torrequebrada" casino. Benalmádena Cosy family atmosphere cove and beach bar located 1km to the west of the large Torrequebrada hotel west of Benalmadena. Crowded summer weekends.

Torre del Mar

"Playa de Almayate" (Almayate beach).

"Playa de la Isla" (Isla beach).

Nerja

"Calas de Maro" (Maro bay), on the road N-340, km. 220, next to the "Cuevas de Nerja" (Caves of Nerja) park. "Almuñécar"

CÁDIZ

El Puerto de Santa María

"Playa de Levante". About 60.000 m2. 1.700 m. from "Playa de Valdelagrana". 2.300 m. from "San Pedro" river. It's known with the name of “Ramón 2”. New.

Rota

"Playa de Punta Candor" (Punta Candor beach), nudism is usually practiced on the left hand side of the beach.

Canil de la Frontera

"Calas de Poniente" (West bays) "Cala del Tío Medina" (Uncle Medina bay) and others, in "Roche", between the "estate complex" and the "Cabo de Roche (Cape of Roche) lighthouse.

"Cala de Peneque" ( Peneque bay)

"Cala de Melchor y del Aceite" (Melchor and the Oil bay)

"Cala Sudario Pitones" (Sudario Pitones bay).

"Cala de Camacho" (Camacho bay)

Barbate

"Calas de los Caños de la Meca" (Caños de la Meca bay) (not to be confused with Caños de la Meca beach ). Very small bays but with a lot of people.

"El Palmar-Zahora": (not to be confused with Zahara). The best naturist beach in Cádiz, for large numbers of people. Large beach of fine and white sand, clean water, and fantastic temperatures. Really cool ! It is located (when facing the sea) to the right of the "Trafalgar" lighthouse.

"Playa de Castilnovo" ( Castilnovo beach) next to Palmar-Zahora beach, is surely a natural extension of this naturist beach.

"Mangueta" in "Vejer de la Frontera" (named this way by the local villagers) It is a beach fringe next to another larger one called "El Palmar". It is located between El Palmar beach and Zahora beach.

"Playa de los Alemanes" (German's beach), near" Zahara de los Atunes" , 8 km away from Barbate; Nudism is mainly practiced in the area of the lighthouse. Naturist only in low season.

Tarifa

"Playa Bolonia" (Bolonia beach), in "El Lentiscal", to the west of Tarifa; You have two options: toward the dunes, after the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia or toward "la Punta Paloma" in Tarifa; 7 km from the ruins (impossible with wind)

"Playa Cuesta Maneli" (Cuesta Maneli beach), in the "preparque de Doñana", kilometer 39 of the road between "Mazagón" and "Torre la Higuera"; (left side); 1 km road made of mischievous of train until arriving to the place; signaled.

"Playa de Matalascañas" (Matalascañas beach), in some areas.

"Playa de Castilla" (Castilla beach), to the north of the river Guadalquivir; nudism is sporadically practiced, (long and solitary beach).

"Playa de las Covaticas" (Covaticas beach), between "Calnegre" and "Mazarrón"

"Barranco Ancho", to the south of "Mazarrón"; naturism authorized.

"Cala Desnuda" (Desnuda bay), to the south of "Mazarrón".

"Cala Leño" (Leño bay), to the south of "Mazarrón".

"La Grúa", to the south of "Mazarrón".

"Cala Amarilla", to the south of "Mazarrón".

"Playa de la Cueva de los Lobos" (Cueva de los Lobos beach), to the south of "Bolnuevo".

"El Rincón", to the south of "Bolnuevo".

"Cala Bolnuevo" (Bolnuevo bay), to "Bolnuevo", near to the Port of "Mazarrón".

Cartagena

"Playa de El Portús" (El Portús beach), at "Canteras", to the southeast of "Cartagena".

"Cala Morena" (Morena bay) , near "El Portús", in "Canteras".

"Cala de las Mulas" (Las Mulas bay),

La Unión

"Playa Cal Blanque" (Cal Blanque beach), in the Natural Park of "Los Belones", near to the "Cape of Palos".

"Cala Reona" y otras (Reona bay and others), at "Cape of Palos", to the northeast of "Cartagena".

GIRONA

Lloret de mar

"Cala Boadella and Cala Figuera" (Boadella bay and Figuera bay); Hotel Fenals area, between "Blanes" and "Lloret". Go to Santa Cristina estate complex, and then take a road in Albamar apartments to the north of "Santa Cristina Cala" (Santa Cristina bay), and on the south of "Lloret de Mar"..

Tossa de mar

"Platja d'En Carles" (d'En Carles beach), next to Llorell beach, in "Santa María of Llorell", to the south of "Tossa de Mar".

"Cala Burró" (Burró bay), on the north side of the Cape Ras, between "Llançà" and "Colera"

Maçanet de Cabrenys

Camping site "Mas Pericot", near "Tapis" and "Maçanet de Cabrenys", Mountain farmhouse. Not situated on the coast. Without telephone. INF identification card obligatory. Difficult access for caravans particulary with large outfits. (7kms rough approach road). Do not enter Macanet de Cabrenys. Owner can assist with tractor. Cash required for payment and no nearby bank.

BARCELONA

Sitges [Garraf]

"Playa de l'Home Mort" (l'Home Mort beach), between "Sitges" and "Vilanova in the Geltrú", after crossing the golfcourse.

Cala Balmins" (Balmins bay) or "La Resendocada"; found between the cemetery and "Aiguadolç".

"Cala Morisca" (Morisca bay), in "Vallcarca", to the north of "Sitges", on the way to "Castelldefels".

"Cala de les Roques o d'en Pere" (les Roques bay or d'en Pere bay), under the parking and panoramic view point which you will find before arriving at "Calella" from "Sant Pol de Mar", on the N-II at km. 665.9, close to the lighthouse.

TARRAGONA. Costa Dourada

Sant Carles de la Ràpita

"Playa del Trabucador" (Trabucador beach), to the south of the delta of the river "Ebro", toward the "punta de la Banya".

Sant Jaume d'Enveja

"Playa del Serrallo" (del Serrallo beach), authorised. In the Delta of the "Ebro", to the north of the "beach of the eucaliptus"

Baix Ebre la Cava (Deltebre)

"Playa de la Marquesa" (Beach of the Marquesa), on the north part of the Delta of the "Ebro".

el Perelló

Beaches next to "l'Ampolla".

Baix Camp l'Hospitalet de l'Infant

"Playa del Torn" (Torn beach), "Cala Justell" (Justell bay), and "Cala d'Oques" (d'Oques bay), to 1 km to the south of "l'Hospitalet de l'Infant", access by the A-7 road, exit 38; toward the "Vandellós" atomic power station

Tarragona [Tarragonès]

"Playa de la Sabinosa" (Sabinosa beach), between "l'Arrabassada beach" and the "Llarga beach".

"Cala Fonda" (Fonda bay) or "Waikiki", in the "punta de la Móra". Road N-340 from "Torre dels Escipions", between "Altafulla" and "Tarragona". Access from "Llarga beach" (Camping site "Las Palmeres")

"Cala de Calabecs" (Calabecs bay) or "l'Arboçar" , between "Punta de la Mora" and "Llarga beach", on the way from "Altafulla" to "Tarragona". Access from "Cala la Mora" (la Mora bay) (camping site "Torre la Mora")

Benidorm offers endless possibilities. From taking a walk on the promenaded to swimming, water activities or just getting on a boat excursion to the island of Benidorm. All that without forgetting the local holiday celebrations and the succulent gastronomy that specialises in rice dishes and seafood. Benidorm is one of the biggest tourist centres of the Costa Blanca.

.The fine-sand beaches, the crystal waters and privileged climate have granted this region -also equipped with a great infrastructure of high-quality services- its well-deserved fame. Doubtlessly, the beaches are one of Benidorm's greatest appeals. A five-kilometre coastline marked by vast sands and secluded coves where one can enjoy a refreshing swim, as well as engage in water sports, like scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing, etc..

Levante Beach

Located to the north of the harbour, Levante beach is one of the most beautiful in the city. Because of its urban location, it provides easy access to many services and to two kilometres of fine, golden sands. These emblematic sands are bordered by a busy promenade, filled with terraces and restaurants that are very lively at night.

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Poniente Beach

To the south of the region, the Poniente beach unfolds: three kilometres of beautiful scenery. As with the Levante beach, this one has a long promenade as a backdrop and is accessible and convenient, with many services available. Between the two most famous beaches of Benidorm is the Mal Pas cove, a tranquil cove of fine sands, also near the historic quarter and the harbour. In addition, Ti Ximo and La Almadrava emerge on the northern end of Benidorm, where the coast becomes rough and inaccessible

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Mal Pas Beach

Between the two most famous beaches of Benidorm is the Mal Pas cove, a tranquil cove of fine sands, also near the historic quarter and the harbour. In addition, Ti Ximo and La Almadrava emerge on the northern end of Benidorm, where the coast becomes rough and inaccessible

Benidorm has acquired a reputation as one of the Mediterranean's top night spots and rightly so. From the moment the sun goes down there's non-stop entertainment in every conceivable form, and it keeps going till sun up! There are more clubs, cabarets, discos and pubs packed into one area here than in any other resort in Spain. If you come to Benidorm in high season then brace yourself for one long party.

Benidorm Palace

One of the top night-time attractions is the Benidorm Palace situated on the northern edge of the town, it offers a lavish international cabaret show with top variety acts from around the world. You'll also see some first class flamenco dancing here. A ticket for dinner, drinks and the show is incredibly good value considering the quality of the entertainment.

Smaller shows are staged nightly at clubs and pubs throughout Benidorm. Many don't charge an entrance fee so an evening's entertainment cam be enjoyed for the price of a few drinks.

The majority of the show bars are on the Levante beach side of Benidorm. There's something for all tastes - from audience participation sex shows to ballroom dancing and 70s revival nights.

The number of centres offering live music and nightlife entertainment are too numerous to mention but we'll offer you a sample of the most popular night time haunts.

Benidorm nightclub KM Disco Garden

One of the biggest and most popular nightclubs is KM Disco Garden. It can accommodate 5,000 clubbers keeping their whistles wet with no less than 12 bars! The disco is famous for its clever lighting and stunning laser shows.

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Club lovers also flock to Top of the Pops in Avenida Almeria and Gigolo's disco pub, in the same street, is another favourite. There's no entrance fee at Gigolo's and you just pay normal bar prices (whereas you pay over the odds ay the top clubs).

The free entrance and normal prices for drinks makes Rockerfella's Fun Club in Calle Gerona a popular night out (although the raunchy shows here could also have something to do with it!)

Lennons in Calle Mallorca offers off-beat theme nights and fun parties and stays busy throughout the year. In the same street you'll find also find the Hippodrome nightclub, one of Benidorm's top clubs, along with the popular Bahamas Fun Pub. At Café Benidorm, also in Calle Mallorca, you'll find disco music, comedians, competitions and everything you need for a top night out.

Benidorm casino

If you don’t fly to Alicante, you can get to Benidorm from within Spain by train or coach. There are 12 trains each day that make the two-hour journey from Valencia, eight trains from Barcelona, and 12 each day from Madrid. From Alicante, trains depart hourly to Benidorm. Several coach companies offer bus service from virtually every town in Spain and beyond, all of which stop at the central bus terminal on Calle Portugal. Travellers driving themselves can take the E-15 expressway, which runs along the length of the Costa Blanca.

It’s very easy to get around Benidorm thanks to reliable, safe taxis and an efficient bus system. The train stations in the old town and in Finestrat can take you to Alicante or other outlying destinations. Taxi ranks are everywhere in Benidorm or you can call a company for a pickup. Bus routes are colour-coded for easy navigation and the modern buses are cheap and air-conditioned. Hiring a car is easy and inexpensive if you have a passport, driver’s license and credit card.

Walking

Benidorm is easily and ideally viewed on foot ! The famous promenade stretches along the breathtaking beaches, and you are in danger of missing the narrow streets of the old town, if you&#146;re not walking. But, when your legs are tired from the previous night of partying or you want to go a little further out from central Benidorm, the buses are the best way of getting around.

Bus

The bus service here is very good, they are inexpensive and if you don't like to carry change a BONOBUS 20 costs €16,20 and can be purchased on board (groups can share). Single trips costs 90 cents anywhere on the main bus route. Most buses operate between 8am-11.30pm. All timetables and maps are available on the Llorente bus website. Although bus stops have particularly clear timetables with colour coded maps of all the routes.

Taxi

So you can’t find your way back to your hotel at 6.00am or you want a more direct service? The local taxis are white with a marine blue stripe and they run 24 hours. There are numerous taxi ranks dotted around, however you can easily hail one in the street. They are available if a green light is visible on the roof, or a ‘Libre’ sign is displayed in the passenger window (the numbers 1 2 3 indicate different tariffs according to the time of day/night). In general a journey costs about €5-8 within central Benidorm.

Train

The narrow gauge railway (FGV) runs north from Benidorm to Denia and south to Campello and is a good way to travel and admire the beautiful coastline. Alicante is linked by a coastal TRAM from Campello. Trains also stop at the big clubs on the outskirts of Benidorm and during July and August run 24 hours. The Station is a 15 minute walk or you can take buses 1 or 2 north, from the old town. Trains run from approximately 6.30am-9.30pm from September-June and are particularly convenient if you are staying outside Benidorm itself.

Car Hire

If you are going on holiday to Benidorm and you’ve booked your flights to either Murcia, Alicante or Valencia, the next thing to look into would be car rental for Benidorm.

Benidorm is around an hours drive from any of the three major airports. If you are going to Benidorm on a package holiday then your airport transfers to Benidorm will be included. If you are travelling independently and you have booked a hotel, apartment or a villa in Benidorm, you can get there by taxi, shuttle bus or private minibus.

So you don't necessarily have to get car rental Benidorm, although renting a car is very inexpensive, especially if you choose a budget make and model model. The advantage is that you then have a car for the rest of your stay so you can get around more easily and you can explore the many tourist attractions of the Costa Blanca.

Car rental in Benidorm is handy for easily getting to the theme parks of which there are five. Terra Mitica and Terra Natura are located on the hill-sides of Benidorm. Terra Mitica is an ancient world theme park with rides and roller coasters and live entertainment. Terra Natura is an animal park divided into four zones also with entertaining shows. Included in Terra Natura is a water park as well called Aqua Natura. To be able to make the most of your time at the theme parks makes car rental Benidorm essential.

If you were flying into Alicante airport and you have already arranged your car rental then just before you enter the arrivals hall you will see the desks of the major car rental companies. Most will give you just a bit of petrol and ask you to bring back the car empty while other car rental companies will give you cars fully tanked up and expect you to bring them back the same way.

Perhaps you just want to get a transfer from the airport to Benidorm and then pick up your car rental locally when you are not so tired and stressed.

Most of the car rental companies in Benidorm have their offices located in the Avenida del Mediterraneo. There you will find Europcar with the telephone number 965 854 017, Centauro Rent a Car with the telephone number 966 830 707. Another popular Spanish car rental company to look out for is Solmar Car Hire. The telephone number for Sol Mar in Benidorm 966 813 222 or you can visit their website on to receive your quote.

There are many multinational car rental companies to book car rental and car hire for Benidorm through like Easy Car which is part of the EasyJet company.

Travellers flock over from all corners of the globe to experience the tantalizing night life which Benidorm is famous for. Boasting of a few million tourists annually, Benidorm is one of biggest tourist destinations on the Mediterranean coastline and guarantees vacationers an exciting holiday. The focal point of Benidorm which mainly accounts for it being a crowd puller- is the fact that it has a very comprehensive night life.

The night life of this locality is colourful, vivid, adrenaline pumping and of course exhilarating. Be it partying from sun set to sun rise, or enjoying a solitary beer in a quiet pub, this locality has it all. To fully appreciate the atmosphere though, there are a few insider tips which will come in handy. These include where to stay, what attractions are a must and other important information. One thing you as a traveller to Benidorm will soon come to realise is that most of the negative aspects which are often associated with the town are misleading and often prove to be false. Though Benidorm does have a reputation of being a stereotypical commercialised resort town, travellers will soon fall in love with the quirky style of life found here and quickly adapt. The fact that it is a party haven is just an added bonus!

Benidorm bars

There is a great influx of tourists from different nations and this is mirrored by the extensive types of bars. These include British, Irish, Dutch, German and Scandinavian bars. Obviously there are a variety of Spanish bars and restaurants as well, which offer a taste of the different regions of Spain.

The c/Santa Domingo Street has a line of Basque bars and an Asturian cider house which makes for an authentic visit. However, if you prefer heading over to a place where numerous British bars are to be found, 'The Square' is the place to be and is found at the junction of Avda Mallorca and c/Gerona. These bars and clubs are situated alongside famous Benidorm Hotels, which make for a convenient residence.

Famous bars to be found on the Avenida de Mallorca include the Cafe de Benidorm, Bahamas, Beachcomber, Hippodrome, Lennon's and Champions. Chaplin's and Sinatra's are also located on the same street. Other bars which are by Apartments in Benidorm include the Shamrock Bar and Jokers. The resort is home to approximately a 1000 bars! So the chances of leaving unsatisfied are extremely narrow.

Benidorm clubbing destination

Benidorm is second only to Ibiza as a clubbing destination and this means that world renowned DJ's often frequent its partying scene. Those looking for glitz and glamour should head over to Club Penelope which is along the Levante beachfront and one of the trendiest clubs around, along with the Hippodrome and Bahamas in the Square. Die hard clubbers might also enjoy a visit to the Valencia road on the outskirts of town to visit the famous KM Club and Pacha.

Benidorm relaxed and laid back atmosphere

Those seeking a more relaxed and laid back atmosphere may enjoy a visit to a tapas bar. These are frequented mostly by the large Spanish population of the locality and make for a great night out. The most famous tapas bar in Benidorm is La Cava Aragonesa, which also specialises in classical local dishes and an array of wines. If this is packed, another option can be sought out in 'Tapas Alley' which is just around the corner and ideal for a tapas crawl!

That's not all! Benidorm Hotels also provides various other forms of entertainment from family minded shows to other more raunchy adults-only shows. Some of the more famous crowd pullers include Steptoes, Morgan Tavern, Talk of the Coast, Star Dust and Wheeltappers. Here you will find various acts, from comedians to great singers. Be sure to experience a bit of everything to truly have a memorable holiday!

There are a number of popular tourist attractionsalong the Costa Blanca and one which you should definitely make an effort to see is Fuentes del Algar (Algar Waterfalls) a beautiful natural park which receives lots of visitors every year.

It is an enjoyable journey winding through the groves of nisperos. Over 22 million kilos of nisperos are produced in the Guadalest and Algar valley regions each year.These groves are covered by a massive framework of netting which act as protection from birds which enjoy the tasty fruit. The easiest route to Algar begins by taking the road to Callosa d'en Sarriá and then following the signs for the Fuentes del Algar. There has been a small diversion recently on the road between Callosa and Algar which can be slightly bumpy but no doubt the road will be improved as soon as possible.

Upon arriving at the natural park you will find plenty of attendant controlled parking areas with trees or carports offering ample shade. Ticket price per vehicle in these areas is only a couple of Euros. The ticket you are issued with is then redeemable when buying food or drink in the bar ajoining the parking area. The walk up to the waterfalls begins by passing the bars and restaurants lining the route, some boasting swimming pools - one is even guitar shaped! Other areas of local interest are also signposted along the way, one being a small train museum. You will find a selection of bottled nisperos and nispero products as well as the usual fayre in a couple of souvenir shops you pass on the approach to the waterfalls. You will enter the waterfalls through a bar/restaurant and there is no entrance fee.

During the summer season there are a couple of photographers capturing the moment as you enter the waterfalls. The finished product is on display as you leave and is available for you to buy for a nominal fee. At about this time you will begin to feel the vibrantly fresh mist filled air and hear the amazing sound of the cascading water.

A dozen steps down will bring you to the main pool into which the largest of the waterfalls cascades. Many people do have a swim in the fresh mountain waters so if you are prepared for the cold, then ensure you take appropriate swimwear with you. At the moment the only access to the top of the waterfalls is by climbing the steps situated behind the bar/restaurant and bearing left along the path you reach. Obviously, the climb is quite steep but well worth it as the top of the main cascade is found under rushes, orleanders and fig trees making this a treat for the senses.

There is a small wooden bridge which has been erected across the main pool allowing access to steps inside the waterfalls, but due to damage, pressumably sustained during the torrential rainfall earlier in the year, it has been cordoned off.Even though these are not the largest waterfalls in the world they a truly wonderful sight and taking your camera or video is highly recommended.

Busot is a tiny village in the Marina Baixa that is situated within sight of the sierra known as the Cabeço d' Or (Golden Hill). The landscape is dry, scorched and jagged and only the traditional dry-crops can be grown upon it. Today most of the village's inhabitants are involved in tourism and the service sector. It is a small village with approximately 1,500 inhabitants whose houses are grouped around a hill topped by a 12th-century Moorish castle. The ruined castle formed part of the Alicante's medieval defensive system.Busot is fairly well signposted and can be found 24 kms from Alicante and 40 km from Benidorm, sitting in a vast and beautiful wilderness, pleasingly lacking in cranes and disruptive building works that seem to appear almost everywhere else along the coast. This is what makes a drive to Busot such a refreshing day out – just a few kilometres inland and it feels as though one has travelled to the heart of a wild and natural Spain.The famous Canalobre caves, or in English, Candelabra Caves, are located about 3 kilometres from the village, on the slopes of the golden hill, at a height of 700 metres. The caves comprise a spectacular cavern with curious limestone formations that are quite awe inspiring, and indeed, many of the formations resemble candelabras, as suggested by the name given to the cave.The drive up to the caves’ entrance is well signposted, and the views are stunning as the boundless arid countryside stretches out as far as the eye can see below. Endless rows of craggy mountains complete the picturesque views, and are at their most spectacular as the Autumn sun sets amid piercing golden rays, and sinks slowly behind the pointed distant peaks.The entrance to the caves is along an artificial tunnel leading directly to a balcony overlooking a large inner gallery. This gallery reaches 45 metres in height, 45 metres in length and is 35 metres wide. The acoustics of the cave are excellent and concerts have been held in this area, set upon the specially designed stage that is still present.

Inside the caves

The guide will then proceed along the set route, careful to point out where the floor boarding is loose! For 175 metres the route twists and winds around the cave, allowing the visitor the most impressive views of the myriad of unusual shapes formed by the thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years by dripping water containing sediments that slowly build up into columns. It is here that the imagination runs wild, as at every turn there is a face, a castle, a dragon, all carefully lit with an artistic use of lamps. In addition to the stalactites and stalagmites, there are also helictites, a lesser-known element of such caves, that form delicately along the walls. Also, slimy looking formations created by running water cling, like mossy aliens to the cave walls, these are known as ‘flowstone’ and do indeed give the appearance of fluid stone.

History of the caves in Busot

The Canelobre Caves history is a long one. Formed in limestone rock approximately 150 million years ago, sometime during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods, their formation is related to the underground forces that helped to form the whole area. The main vaulted area of the cave is one of the largest in Spain, and from the ceiling stalactites of up to 12 metres hang down directly above their corresponding stalagmites. Life in the cave is minimal, although there are small colonies of cynobacteria, algae, fungi, mould and even a small colony of bats. The all year round temperature of 18 degrees Celsius helps to ensure their survival.The caves have also been used by humans over the years, and their discovery is thought to have been by mining prospectors during the Moorish occupation. The Arabs themselves are said to have used the caves for shelter, and later, during the Spanish Civil War, the caves were used as a protected place in which to repair aircraft engines. From the mid 19th century the caves have been visited by tourists, and are still as popular as ever with visitors.The area of Busot provides another attraction for the visitor. A short hiking route ascends from the Caves to an exceptional look out point, and passes by a quaint farmstead known as Casa de Polset, continuing along past ancient mines. The mountain also has two areas classified as micro-reserves containing protected species of interest to anyone with knowledge of the local flora. This area should not be visited without a camera. Luckily, the caves are open all year round, so the summertime tourist buses can be avoided by visiting now. From October 1 to June 20 the opening times are from 11.00 – 17.50. Easter week from 10.30 – 19.50, and for the remainder of the year from 10.30 – 19.50, closed only on December 25 and January 1.

Mundomar means “world sea”. It is a marine and exotic animal park that provides fun for all the family. Seeing these exotic birds such as flamingos, pelicans, wild swans and geese as well as the marine animals in their natural environment is a wonderful experience.

Here at Mundomar there is a large collection of parrots and other species that have a remarkable variety of plumage.

The parrot show is very amusing. They show off to the crowd their cleverness and skills as well as their ability to chatter.

There is also a show with sea lions that is well worth seeing. Amongst other entertainments there is a show called Star that involves five dolphins and six professional swimmers that do a wonderful display of synchronised swimming and perform various acts with the dolphins such as jumping, pirouetting and ball balancing.

The dolphins’ intelligence is obvious and this show is truly memorable. A new aquarium was opened here in 2004. It contains 40,000 litres of water with special salt-water treatment from Israel and houses more than 50 different species of tropical fish. The shows are all very well timed so it is possible for you to get to see them all without having to hurry from one to the other. Watching the animals being fed is also great fun to see.

Around the park are kiosks for refreshments, as well as a restaurant and cafeteria. You can also take your own picnic.

Mundomar is an ideal and unique place to have a party or celebration.

For the latest opening times and ticket prices for the park check the latest information on their website at: www.mundomar.es

Terra Mitica is a theme park in the holiday resort of Benidorm, Spain. The park is divided into 5 themed zones; Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia (Old zone of Spain and Portugal) and the Islands (of Greece). In 2000 when the park opened its doors, Paramount bought most of the shares in Terra Mitica and so then the park was branded as Paramount Parks Terra Mitica. In 2004 after Paramount Parks decided to drop its shares they had in Terra Mitica, Comunitat Valenciana took over the park and will oversee future plans and the development of other rides.

Park structure

Egypt - The Geometric mysteries of the Pharaos, a 360º View of Egypt. This area is influenced by ancient Egyptian culture and features,

Greece - Olympic emotions and the will of Athens, a 360º View of Greece. This area is influenced by ancient Greek culture and features,

Rome - The most spectacular Empire, a 360º View of Rome. This area is influenced by ancient Roman culture and features,

Iberia - Speed at the Nearest sea shore 360º View of Iberia. This area is influenced by ancient Iberian culture and features,

The Islands - The refreshing zone of joy, a 360º View of The Islands. This area is also influenced by ancient Greek culture and features,

Notable rides

The Falls of the Nile - A log flume ride. It's biggest drop is 20 metres height. Built by Mack Rides